Microsoft has released a consumer preview for Office 2013. Highlighting the age-old internal tug-of-war between the Office and Windows divisions within Microsoft, it's just a desktop application, no Metro, and the only nod to that whole touch/tablet-thing is a special mode that does very little. So, Windows 8 is just around the corner, and still not a single serious Metro application. Not even Microsoft's own flagship suite - heck, not even a single application within that suite - could be adapted to Metro in time. Serious vote of confidence from the Office division there.

Not sure what to make of it yet though it does seem to overawe the eye in it's paradoxical white minimalism. Suppose, its been Metroised in look if not function so yet another indication Metro is but some 'bright idea' tacked on to 8/Office/Cloud without any joined-up thought.

In some ways as a look it's refreshingly different but I've serious doubts as to the effect the look has to ease of use. Don't use Office a great deal myself, other than Word and Outlook, and in truth more through inertia than anything, the same goes for Windows. Looks as if Metro will finally break that or, perhaps, 7 will last me out till I drop off this mortal coil...